An Arsenal move for German playmaker Julian Draxler has received further encouragement, while Sebastian Giovinco could also be on his way in the January transfer window after the player's agent confirmed they had been contacted over a possible transfer.
Draxler, who has a release clause of around £37 million, has been heavily tipped to move to Arsenal in the summer, with reports in Germany suggesting a deal could already be in place.
The German international has reportedly been given a tour of the Emirates Stadium, and is thought to be keen on signing for the Gunners come the end of the season.
Schalke general manager Horst Heldt added further fuel to the fire by admitting Draxler could leave the German side soon. "We continue to hope that Julian remains," he was quoted as saying by Bild. "But there are factors that we cannot influence."
The German has also previously admitted his admiration for Arsenal and the way they play the game, and a summer move does look increasingly likely.
Draxler should have no problems settling into the Arsenal side with the compatriots Per Mertesacker, Lukas Podolski and Mesut Ozil in the squad, not to mention youngsters Serge Gnabry, Thomas Eisfeld and Gedion Zelalem.
Meanwhile, the Gunners could have Giovinco in their books before the close of the January transfer window. Arsene Wenger is looking for a striker that can play with and without Giroud, and while Giovinco is at his best playing in behind the central striker, the Italian international is also capable of leading the line, especially in a side like Arsenal, with so many ball-playing playmakers around him.
Giovinco's agent Claudio Pasqualin revealed talks had been held with Arsenal over a possible move for the Juventus forward.
"We have had contact with Arsenal," Pasqualin was quoted as saying by the Metro. "It was a request for information about his situation. There is nothing more [at the moment]."
Wenger is keen to strengthen his forward ranks following injuries to Nicklas Bendtner and Theo Walcott, who has been ruled out for the season, but the Arsenal manager knows a stop-gap deal is a more likely scenario considering the difficulties involved in bringing quality during January.
A loan move for Giovinco might not be such a bad idea, as the 26-year-old will strengthen the forward line as Arsenal hunt for their first English Premier League title in 10 years.
